Acupressure is an alternative therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote pain relief and improve overall well-being. It is derived from traditional Chinese medicine and is based on the concept of energy flow, known as Qi.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, Qi flows through meridians or pathways in the body. When there is an imbalance or blockage of Qi, it can result in various physical or mental health issues, including pain. Acupressure aims to restore the balance of Qi by stimulating specific points along these meridians.
Heres how acupressure helps with pain relief:
1. Stimulating Pressure Points:
Acupressure involves applying firm pressure, usually with fingers or thumbs, to specific points on the body. These points are known as acupoints and are located along the meridians. By stimulating these points, acupressure can help release tension, promote blood circulation, and encourage the flow of Qi. This stimulation can help alleviate pain by activating the bodys natural healing mechanisms.
2. Gate Control Theory:
Acupressure also works through the gate control theory of pain. According to this theory, stimulating certain nerve fibers can interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain. By applying pressure to specific acupoints, acupressure can activate these nerve fibers and override or block the pain signals, providing relief.
3. Release of Endorphins:
Acupressure may trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemicals in the body. Endorphins can help reduce pain perception and induce a sense of relaxation and well-being. The stimulation of acupoints through acupressure can promote the release of endorphins, further aiding in pain relief.
4. Relaxation and Stress Reduction:
Acupressure techniques often involve slow, deep breathing and relaxation exercises. These practices help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress. By reducing stress levels, acupressure can indirectly alleviate pain associated with tension, anxiety, or stress-related conditions.
5. Holistic Approach:
Acupressure takes a holistic approach to pain relief, considering the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and energy systems. It aims to address the root causes of pain rather than merely treating symptoms. By rebalancing the bodys energy flow and promoting overall well-being, acupressure supports the bodys natural ability to heal itself and may provide long-term pain relief.
Its important to note that while many people find acupressure helpful for pain relief, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. It is generally considered safe when performed correctly, but it is advisable to consult with a trained acupressure practitioner or healthcare professional before trying acupressure, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are pregnant.
Stimulating these facial meridians through various techniques is thought to have therapeutic effects on both the facial appearance and overall health.
As you work with your qualified healthcare provider, please consider using these oils daily to a few times a week to decrease stress and anxiety, balance cortisol, reducing pain. According to Chinese Medicine, the 12 meridians are represented on the face. By evaluating the face, you can improve stress, reducing cortisol, and relieving pain. You can choose an oil by evaluating tenderness on the face and using the oil at location of the face nightly. You can also use the oil at the location of the pain. Please consider using this oil daily to a few times a week for pain relief.
Heart
The concept of meridians and acupoints is used to regulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. Rubbing essential oils along specific meridians, such as the heart meridian on the face, is believed to influence the energy flow and help relieve pain in the associated areas.
The heart meridian in TCM starts from the chest area, runs through the heart, descends internally, and emerges around the armpit. It then travels along the inner arm, passing the elbow, and finally, reaches the tip of the little finger. Pain along the heart meridian on the face may be associated with conditions such as tension headaches, jaw pain, or toothache.
Consider peppermint and/or eucalyptus essential oils or oil infused products to restore balance to the heart meridian and help relieve pain.
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Peppermint - has cooling properties and can be effective in reducing tension headaches and muscle pain.
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Eucalyptus - has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for relieving various types of pain.
Lung
In TCM, the lung meridian is linked to the respiratory system and also plays a role in regulating the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood circulation. Pain along the lung meridian on the face may be associated with conditions such as sinus congestion, headaches, or facial tension.
Consider rosemary and/or lavender essential oils or oil infused products to restore balance to the lung meridian and help relieve tension and pain.
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Lavender - has calming effects that can help relax facial muscles and relieve tension-related pain.
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Rosemary - has analgesic properties and may be useful for reducing headache pain.
Stomach
In TCM, the stomach meridian is linked to the digestive system and is responsible for transforming food and fluids. Pain along the stomach meridian on the face may be associated with conditions such as headaches, jaw tension, or digestive issues.
Consider chamomile and/or marjoram essential oils or oil infused products to help restore balance to the stomach meridian and relieve pain and tension.
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Chamomile - possesses anti-inflammatory properties and may help ease jaw pain and headaches.
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Marjoram - has analgesic properties and can be useful for relieving muscle tension and headaches.
Kidney
In TCM, the kidney meridian is linked to the water element and is considered the foundation of Yin and Yang energies. It plays a crucial role in regulating bodily fluids and maintaining overall balance. Pain along the kidney meridian on the face may be associated with conditions such as lower back pain, toothache, or dark circles under the eyes.
Consider vetiver and/or cedarwood essential oils or oil infused products to restore balance to the kidney meridian and help relieve tension and pain.
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Vetiver - has grounding properties and may help relieve lower back pain and promote a sense of calm.
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Cedarwood - has a soothing aroma and is believed to support kidney function and reduce stress-related pain.
Large Intestine
In TCM, the large intestine meridian is linked to the metal element and plays a role in regulating the elimination of waste and toxins from the body. Pain along the large intestine meridian on the face may be associated with conditions such as sinus congestion, tension headaches, or toothache.
Consider tea tree and/or frankincense essential oils or oil infused products to help restore balance to the large intestine meridian and relieve pain and tension.
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Tea tree - possesses anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in reducing pain and discomfort associated with skin conditions or inflammation.
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Frankincense - has anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in reducing facial pain and discomfort.
Small Intestine
In TCM, the small intestine meridian is linked to the fire element and plays a role in the separation of pure and impure substances in the body. Pain along the small intestine meridian on the face may be associated with conditions such as jaw tension, toothache, or earache.
Consider ginger and/or clary sage essential oils or oil infused products in order to restore balance to the small intestine and help relieve pain and tension.
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Ginger - has warming properties and can be beneficial for soothing muscle aches and tension.
Click here to purchase Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage - has muscle-relaxing properties and may help with tension in the face and jaw area.
Liver
In TCM, the liver meridian is linked to the wood element and plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. Pain along the liver meridian on the face may be associated with conditions such as tension headaches, jaw tension, or eye strain.
Consider lemon and/or ylang-ylang essential oils or oil infused products to help restore balance in the liver meridian and relieve pain and tension.
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Lemon - invigorating and uplifting, which may help alleviate mental fatigue and eye strain.
Click here to purchase Ylang-Ylang 3 Superior Essential Oil
Ylang-ylang - can help promote relaxation and may be useful for stress-related pain.
Bladder
In TCM, the bladder meridian is linked to the water element and plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid balance and supporting the nervous system. Pain along the bladder meridian on the face may be associated with conditions such as tension headaches, neck pain, or eye strain.
Consider cypress and/or geranium essential oils or oil infused products to help restore balance to the bladder meridian and relieve pain and tension.
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Cypress - has a calming effect and may be helpful for reducing tension and pain in the head and neck area.
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Geranium - has anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial for reducing headaches and facial pain.
Gallbladder
In TCM, the gallbladder meridian is linked to the wood element and plays a significant role in decision-making, courage, and the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. Pain along the gallbladder meridian on the face may be associated with conditions such as headaches, jaw tension, or neck and shoulder discomfort.
Consider neroli and/or basil essential oils or oil infused products in order to help restore balance to the gallbladder meridian and relieve tension or pain.
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Neroli - is known for its calming and soothing effects, which can be helpful for easing tension and promoting a sense of well-being.
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Basil - has analgesic properties and may be useful for reducing muscle pain and tension.
Spleen
In TCM, the spleen meridian is linked to the earth element and plays a significant role in digestion, energy production, and overall vitality. Pain along the spleen meridian on the face may be associated with conditions such as digestive discomfort, facial tension, or lip-related issues.
Consider fennel and/or bergamot essential oils or oil infused products in order to help restore balance to the spleen meridian and relieve pain and tension.
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Fennel - is known for its digestive benefits and may aid in reducing abdominal discomfort.
Click here to purchase Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot - has a citrusy and refreshing aroma that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Pericardium
In TCM, the pericardium meridian is closely related to the heart and plays a role in protecting and regulating its function. Pain along the pericardium meridian on the face may be associated with conditions such as chest discomfort, jaw tension, or emotional stress.
Consider sandalwood and/or juniper berry essential oils or oil infused products in order to help restore balance to the pericardium meridian and relieve tension and pain.
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Sandalwood - has calming properties and may be useful for relieving stress-related pain and tension.
Click here to purchase Juniper Berry Essential Oil
Juniper berry - has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease facial pain and discomfort.
Triple Warmer
In TCM, the triple warmer meridian is responsible for the coordination of the body's three major regions: the upper, middle, and lower burners. Pain along the triple warmer meridian on the face may be associated with conditions such as tension headaches, jaw pain, or eye strain.
Consider wintergreen and/or myrrh essential oils or oil infused products to help restore balance to the triple warmer meridian and relieve stress, pain, and tension.
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Wintergreen - contains methyl salicylate, which can provide a warming sensation and may be helpful for soothing sore muscles and joints.
Click here to purchase Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh - has anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial for reducing facial pain and inflammation.
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